Every year it seems as if there is a Black Friday shopping-related incident.

People are stomped, kicked, punched and pepper sprayed so that desperate shoppers can get to the last Barbie Corvette, Tickle Me Elmo or PlayStation 53 (or whatever they are up to now).

Seriously people? I understand the thrill of being first or saving 10 percent, but the truth is, those are not the last items they will ever produce. One week later, check the same shelves, and they will be full of everything you punched an 84-year-old lady in the kidney to get.

To guide you rabid shoppers along through a safe Christmas shopping season, I’d like to offer these little tips I learned in kindergarten. Since most shoppers who hit the malls and shopping centers act like 5-year-olds, I feel like they apply.

I had it first. It seems simple enough. If someone has an item in his or her hand, don’t slap it out of said hand and run to the checkout line. It is also unacceptable to point to the door, scream “Elvis!” and snatch the item away. You know they are going to look. It’s just not fair.

Wait your turn. The checkout lines are what checkout lines are this time of year. There could be as many as 50 people waiting to purchase items during the holiday shopping season and they will be testy. If you attempt to break in line, things will get ugly in a hurry. Wait your turn.

You can’t always get what you want. It’s almost Christmas and some items are simply going to sell out.

No amount of screaming at the store manager or stock boy is going to change the fact that there are no more Action Frank dolls on the shelf for your little angel. Sometimes you have to make more than one stop, so deal with it.

Don’t be a crybaby. Whining won’t bring back the last Wii, nor will it gain you any sympathy from people who have been dealing with irate customers all day (and sometimes all night).

The sun will come out tomorrow princess. Put on your big boy or big girl pants and move on to the next item.

Hopefully these tips will help readers along in their holiday shopping adventures.

Just remember, keep your head up, keep moving forward and keep your eyes on the prize.

Christmas shopping does not have to be an ugly endeavor if everyone just acts like adults. Be patient, accept what you can’t change and remember the reason for the season!